Leaving a job is a normal part of a career, even your first one. How you leave matters: the people you work with now may become references, colleagues or managers again in the future, and industries are often smaller than they seem.
Here is how to resign professionally, from the conversation to your last day.
Before you resign
- Have a written offer for your next role and make sure any conditions, such as background checks, are cleared or clearly on track. See our guide to accepting a job offer.
- Check your contract for the required notice period and any other obligations.
- Understand what you will receive on leaving: final pay, unused leave payout rules (which vary by employer and location), benefits end dates.
- Save personal items and contacts, but never copy confidential company information.
Tell your manager first
Your manager should hear the news from you, not from colleagues. Ask for a short private meeting, in person or by video:
Resignation conversation
“Thank you for making time. I wanted to let you know that I’ve accepted a position with another company, and I’m resigning. My last day will be November 21, which gives four weeks’ notice. I’ve really appreciated everything I’ve learned here, especially your support on the reporting work. I want to make the handover as smooth as possible.”
Keep it brief and positive. You do not need to give detailed reasons. If asked, focus on what you are moving toward: “It’s a chance to focus on data analysis, which I want to develop.”
Write a resignation letter or email
Follow up the conversation in writing on the same day. Keep it short.
Resignation letter
Subject: Resignation – Jordan Rivera
Dear Ms. Patel,
Please accept this letter as formal notice of my resignation from my position as Operations Assistant at Northwind Logistics. My last day of work will be Friday, November 21.
Thank you for the opportunities and support I’ve received over the past year. I’ve learned a great deal and enjoyed working with the team.
I’ll do everything I can to ensure a smooth handover, including documenting my current tasks and training a colleague if needed.
Kind regards,
Jordan Rivera
Names and dates are examples. Use your own and the notice period in your contract.
Handling a counteroffer
Your employer may offer more pay or a different role to keep you. Consider it carefully:
- Would the counteroffer fix the reasons you wanted to leave?
- Did you already commit to the new employer?
- How might the relationship change after you resigned?
If you decline, thank them sincerely: “I really appreciate the offer, and it means a lot. I’ve made my decision, and I’m committed to the new role.”
Make a good handover
- List your tasks, deadlines, contacts and where files are stored.
- Update process notes; see how to take notes in your first weeks.
- Train a colleague if asked.
- Finish what you can and clearly flag what is still open.
- Return equipment and access badges as instructed.
A thorough handover is often what people remember most about your departure.
During your notice period
- Keep working to the same standard.
- Stay positive about the company with colleagues.
- Avoid criticizing your manager or team, even if asked.
- If an exit interview is offered, give constructive, balanced feedback.
Saying goodbye
On your last day or near it:
- Send a short farewell message to colleagues with your personal email or LinkedIn.
- Thank people who helped you individually.
- Ask your manager or a senior colleague whether they would be willing to act as a reference in future; see how to ask for a reference.
Farewell message
“Hi everyone, today is my last day at Northwind. Thank you all for making my first job such a great learning experience. I’d love to stay in touch; you can find me on LinkedIn here. Wishing you all the best!”
What to avoid
- Resigning by text or without notice (unless your safety is at risk).
- Announcing your departure on social media before telling your manager.
- Taking company files, client lists or confidential data.
- “Checking out” during your notice period.
- Burning bridges with angry messages.
Prepare before you hand in your notice
Before you resign, confirm your new offer in writing, check your notice period and draft your resignation letter. Then schedule the conversation with your manager. If you are still deciding whether to leave, read when it is time to leave your first job.